Weepu ends 12-month absence

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

Weepu ends 12-month absence

Wellington Hurricanes scrum-half Piri Weepu has been called up to the All Blacks training squad ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Auckland.

Weepu hasn't appeared in national colours since the match against South Africa in Christchurch last July but injuries to Andy Ellis and Jimmy Cowan have left him on the verge of a possible recall.

Ellis took a knock to his ribs and Cowan a blow to his knee during last weekend's comprehensive defeat to the Wallabies and All Blacks head coach Graham Henry has reacted by inviting Weepu and Auckland No9 Taniela Moa to train with the squad in case Ellis or Cowan fail to recover in time.

Having missed out on selection for last autumn's World Cup, Weepu has been the centre of numerous rumours regarding his playing future. With his NZRU contract due to his expire at the end of this year, the 24-year-old has been linked with moves to Europe, as well as a cross-code switch to rugby league. For now at least, however, Weepu is concentrating on making the most of any possible opportunity may arise this Saturday.

"After missing out last year and not being named at the start of this campaign it's pretty big to be back in the squad," said Weepu.

"If I get the opportunity to play I'll be pushing and making sure I deserve to be in. I'll make sure that I work hard.

"There were a few things going wrong with weight and being fit. I've had to retrack and work a lot harder and I've been doing that.

"The only thing to prove is to myself, that I'm capable enough to be here. I've still got NPC to finish, being part of that will let me know whether I want to stay here or go offshore. I haven't made any calls at this stage."